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Gayatri Yadav Joins Mukesh Ambani-Led Reliance as Group CMO & EVP—Ex-Peak XV and Star Leader to Spearhead Strategic Growth

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Gayatri Yadav Joins Mukesh Ambani-Led Reliance as Group CMO & EVP—Ex-Peak XV and Star Leader to Spearhead Strategic Growth

Gayatri Yadav, former Chief Marketing Officer at Peak XV Partners, has taken on a new role at Reliance Industries Ltd. as Group Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives in the Chairman’s Office.

Her transition to Reliance marks the end of her tenure at the venture capital firm previously known as Sequoia India and Southeast Asia. Reports surfaced last December that Yadav was set to leave Peak XV, where she played a key role in shaping brand strategy for startups backed by the firm, including Atlys, BharatPe, Blinkit, and Byju’s.

A seasoned marketing leader, Yadav has built a career spanning global brands such as Procter & Gamble and General Mills. Before joining Peak XV, she served as the CMO at Sequoia Capital India & SEA, driving thought leadership in the startup ecosystem. She also held a key leadership role at Star, where she led marketing initiatives that helped redefine media consumption in India.

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In her new role at Reliance, Yadav will be working closely with Mukesh Ambani, Nita Ambani, Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani, and Anant Ambani, alongside other senior executives. She described the opportunity as a chance to contribute to a company with “unimaginable scale and potential.”

“All the dots—consumer, brand, and technology—converge here,” Yadav said, announcing her move to Reliance on LinkedIn and X. “Reliance’s core philosophy, ‘Growth is Life,’ is the driving force behind everything the company does—whether personal, economic, or societal growth. I’m honored to take on this role and look forward to working with stakeholders and partners to drive impact at scale.”

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Her appointment comes at a time when Reliance continues to expand its footprint across industries, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and consumer engagement.

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Shantanu Naidu, Ratan Tata’s Protégé, Steps Up as General Manager at Tata Motors—A Legacy in Motion

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Shantanu Naidu, Ratan Tata’s Protégé, Steps Up as General Manager at Tata Motors—A Legacy in Motion

Shantanu Naidu, a longtime associate and close confidant of the late Ratan Tata, has stepped into a new role as General Manager and Head of Strategic Initiatives at Tata Motors, one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers.

Sharing the news on LinkedIn, Naidu reflected on his personal connection to the company: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as General Manager, Head – Strategic Initiatives at Tata Motors! I remember when my father used to walk home from the Tata Motors plant in his white shirt and navy pants, and I would wait for him in the window. It comes full circle now.”

Naidu first gained attention in 2014 when he developed reflective collars to help protect stray dogs from being hit by vehicles. His initiative caught the attention of Ratan Tata, a staunch advocate for animal welfare, who not only supported the project but also took Naidu under his wing as a mentee. Over time, their relationship deepened, with Naidu becoming Tata’s close friend and trusted assistant

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Beyond his work with Tata, Naidu co-founded Motopaws, a Pune-based startup focused on animal safety. He also launched On Your Sparks, a platform guiding young Indian entrepreneurs, and Goodfellows, a Mumbai-based initiative offering companionship to senior citizens.

His career began as a design engineer at Tata Elxsi, followed by a business strategy internship at Tata Trusts. He later held leadership positions in Ratan Tata’s office, rising from Deputy General Manager to General Manager before taking on his latest role at Tata Motors.

In addition to his engineering background, Naidu earned an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, where he was recognized for his entrepreneurial leadership.

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Ratan Tata passed away on October 9, 2024, at the age of 86. Following his mentor’s passing, Naidu penned a heartfelt tribute: “The hole that this friendship has now left with me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to fill. Grief is the price to pay for love. Goodbye, my dear lighthouse.”

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HairOriginals Raises ₹43.5 Cr in Series A: Backed by Peyush Bansal, Plans 40-City Expansion & 30 Experience Centers

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HairOriginals Raises ₹43.5 Cr in Series A: Backed by Peyush Bansal, Plans 40-City Expansion & 30 Experience Centers

HairOriginals, a direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand specializing in hair extensions and wigs, has secured $5 million (INR 43.5 crore) in its Series A funding round. The investment was co-led by Anicut Growth Fund and 12 Flags Consumer Holdings, with participation from Lenskart co-founder and CEO Peyush Bansal.

With this fresh infusion of capital, HairOriginals aims to scale up its on-demand “try-at-home” service to 40 cities and ramp up research and development (R&D) efforts. Additionally, the company plans to establish 25–30 exclusive experience centers over the next year to strengthen its offline presence.

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Launched in 2019 by Jitendra Sharma and Piyush Wadhwani, HairOriginals offers premium hair extensions and DIY wigs crafted from real human hair sourced ethically. The brand had previously raised $2.75 million in its pre-Series A round in December 2023, backed by Anicut Capital, Kesh Kala Family Office, and LetsVenture, among others. With this latest round, its total funding now stands at $7.2 million.

Speaking on the investment, Rakesh Kapoor, founder of 12 Flags Consumer Holdings, expressed confidence in the brand’s global vision. “Jitendra and his team are determined to establish India as a global leader in human hair products. We are thrilled to support their journey.”

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HairOriginals first gained public attention after appearing on Shark Tank India Season 1, securing investments from Ashneer Grover, Peyush Bansal, and Anupam Mittal. Today, the brand has partnered with over 1,400 salons and has set up experience centers in both India and North America, collaborating with Kurves Salon in the latter. Competing with brands like Nish Hair and Euphoria, HairOriginals is positioning itself as a key player in India’s growing beauty and personal care market.

The funding comes amid a surge in India’s D2C sector, driven by higher internet penetration and mobile usage. Established names like Mamaearth have already gone public, while Lenskart is preparing for its IPO. The space continues to attract significant investor attention, with startups like P-TAL and Deconstruct recently raising fresh capital.

According to Inc42, India’s D2C industry is on track to become a $300 billion market by 2030, making it a fertile ground for brands looking to scale quickly.

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Priyanka Gill Bets Big on Lab-Grown Diamonds: COLUXE Aims to Disrupt India’s $50 Billion Jewellery Market

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Priyanka Gill Bets Big on Lab-Grown Diamonds: COLUXE Aims to Disrupt India’s $50 Billion Jewellery Market

Priyanka Gill, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of the Good Glamm Group, is making waves once again—this time in fine jewellery. She has launched COLUXE, a luxury brand specializing in lab-grown diamonds (LGDs), with a mission to redefine ethical, sustainable, and accessible luxury in India.

After stepping away from her role as a venture partner at Kalaari Capital, Priyanka is now fully focused on building India’s first nationally recognized LGD jewellery brand. COLUXE has already secured early-stage funding from investors within her network and is in discussions with VCs for an upcoming funding round.

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A Fresh Take on Fine Jewellery

COLUXE is set to challenge traditional norms in the jewellery industry, offering high-quality, contemporary designs with a tech-first approach. The brand will feature everything from solitaire rings, pendants, and tennis bracelets to themed collections inspired by zodiac signs, gifting, and self-expression.

What sets COLUXE apart? Customization and innovation. The brand is integrating AI-driven personalization, multi-use jewellery settings, and virtual try-ons to create a seamless digital and in-store experience.

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“Diamonds Should Be for Everyone”

Speaking about her new venture, Priyanka Gill, Founder & CEO of COLUXE, said:

“We are witnessing a once-in-a-generation shift in consumer behavior. Luxury is evolving, and no one is defining the future of fine jewellery at a national level. COLUXE is here to change that.”

She further elaborated on her vision:

“Our goal is to make COLUXE India’s most loved lab-grown diamond and gemstone brand. Rooted in India but built for the world, we are blending cutting-edge technology with timeless craftsmanship to set new global standards for ethical, sustainable luxury. COLUXE stands for inclusivity, celebration, and joy.”

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From ₹2 Crore US Job to Calling Out Bournvita: What’s Next for Revant Himatsingka?

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From ₹2 Crore US Job to Calling Out Bournvita: What’s Next for Revant Himatsingka?

Revant Himatsingka, the face behind Food Pharmer, has built a reputation for calling out deceptive marketing in the food industry. With over 2.7 million Instagram followers and a million YouTube subscribers, his platform has become a go-to for exposing misleading claims in packaged foods.

But now, he’s at a crossroads. In a recent Instagram post, Revant hinted at a shift in direction, asking his audience for ideas on what Food Pharmer 2.0 should look like. Reflecting on his journey—from leaving a ₹2 crore job in the U.S. to moving back to India and refusing brand deals—he opened up about the challenges of staying true to his mission.

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“I usually keep my personal life private, but today, I want to share something. Every choice we make comes with uncertainty. Even when we act with the best intentions, it’s hard to know if we’re on the right path. Over the last year and a half, I’ve received incredible love and support, but let’s be real—likes, shares, and respect don’t pay the bills,” he wrote.

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While making it clear that he’s not asking for donations, Revant urged his followers to be part of this next chapter. “I want your honest thoughts. As we shape the future of Food Pharmer, I’ll be putting up Instagram polls, and I’d love for you to help steer this journey.”

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Mars Cosmetics Expands with 30 New Kiosks to Bring Beauty to Every Corner of India

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Mars Cosmetics Expands with 30 New Kiosks to Bring Beauty to Every Corner of India

Mars Cosmetics is set to roll out 30 new kiosks across India by the end of this month, aiming to provide accessible beauty solutions nationwide, including to those in rural and suburban regions. The kiosks will be placed in well-trafficked shopping spots like Cosmos Mall in Siliguri, IP Sigra in Varanasi, VR Mall in Surat, Phoenix Mall in Pune, and Metro Junction and Capital Mall in Mumbai.

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The kiosks are more than just retail points—they’re designed to create engaging, personalized beauty experiences for customers. Shoppers will have the chance to explore Mars’ latest products while receiving tailored advice from trained beauty experts.

Pushpa Kandpal, Senior Manager of EBO Operations at Mars Cosmetics, shared that the brand’s core mission is to bring high-quality beauty products to every corner of India. “By opening these immersive kiosks, we’re not just selling products—we’re creating an opportunity for people to experience beauty in a hands-on way, no matter where they live,” Kandpal explained.

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The company has ambitious plans for growth, aiming to expand its kiosk network to 65 by next fiscal year. The goal is to reach even more underserved and suburban areas, reinforcing Mars Cosmetics’ commitment to making beauty inclusive and available to a wider audience.

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The Birth of Frankie: Tibb’s Journey from a Car Backseat to 200 Outlets

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The Birth of Frankie: Tibb’s Journey from a Car Backseat to 200 Outlets

Tibb’s Frankie, the iconic fast-food chain renowned for its delicious wraps called ‘Frankies,’ has been a staple of India’s street food scene for an impressive 54 years. With its unique fusion of global flavors and Indian culinary traditions, Tibb’s Frankie revolutionized the concept of the roll.

The story began in 1967 when Amarjit Singh Tibb, returning to India via Beirut, discovered the local pita bread and became inspired by its flavors. This sparked a culinary adventure with his wife and co-founder, Surinder Kaur Tibb. After several months of experimenting, the couple created the famous “Tibb’s Frankie” in 1969, a tasty mutton curry wrapped in roti. They first sold their creation from the back of their car near Powai Lake in Mumbai.

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Interestingly, the name “Frankie” wasn’t born immediately. During a memorable India vs. West Indies cricket match, Tibb heard the crowd cheer ‘Frankie’ after a spectacular six from West Indies cricketer Frank Worrell. Motivated by the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd, Tibb decided to christen their new snack ‘Frankie,’ hoping it would be as popular as the cricketer. He quickly registered the name as a trademark.

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More than five decades later, Tibb’s Frankie has grown into a beloved brand with nearly 200 outlets across the country and over 120 million rolls sold. As part of their future growth, the company plans to expand into smaller metros and increase their store count in the coming years.

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Netflix Announces Price Hikes Across All Subscription Tiers in the U.S. Amid Record Subscriber Growth

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Netflix Announces Price Hikes Across All Subscription Tiers in the U.S. Amid Record Subscriber Growth

Netflix has announced a price increase across all its subscription plans in the United States, marking the first-ever rise for its ad-supported option.

The most significant hike is for the standard, ad-free plan, which will now cost $17.99 a month, up by $2.50. The ad-supported plan will see a $1 increase, raising the monthly fee to $7.99, while the premium plan will rise by $2, bringing the total to $24.99 per month. New subscribers will see the price changes immediately, while existing customers will experience the adjustments in their next billing cycle.

The streaming giant justified the price hikes by emphasizing its ongoing investment in content and its commitment to providing greater value to subscribers. “To continue enhancing our programming and delivering better content, we occasionally need to adjust our prices to ensure we can keep improving Netflix,” the company stated in a letter to investors.

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This price adjustment comes alongside the announcement of Netflix’s largest quarterly subscriber growth ever, with 18.9 million new sign-ups in Q4 2024, pushing the total number of global subscribers to 300 million. Greg Peters, Netflix’s co-CEO, supported the price increase, particularly for the ad-supported plan, claiming, “Even after the price increase, we believe our entry-level price is still an unbeatable value for entertainment.”

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This price change marks Netflix’s first increase since October 2023, when the company raised the cost of its basic and premium plans while leaving the prices for the standard and ad-supported tiers unchanged. Netflix also revealed that more than 55% of new subscribers in regions offering ads chose the ad-supported plan in Q4.

The increase will also apply to subscribers in Canada, Portugal, and Argentina. Netflix has revised its revenue forecast for 2025, expecting to earn between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion, a $500 million increase from its previous estimate, along with a projected operating margin of 29%.

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Cardboard Reinvented: How Amazon is Providing Free Beds at the Maha Kumbh Mela

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Cardboard Reinvented: How Amazon is Providing Free Beds at the Maha Kumbh Mela

At the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela, Amazon India is introducing an innovative initiative called Dibbon Se Badhkar, turning its signature cardboard packaging into portable beds for the attendees. The aim is to offer comfortable, free resting spots for those visiting the grand event.

A substantial number of these beds will be set up at the lost and found center, while others will be distributed for general public use. Additionally, beds will be provided to the Kumbh Police Karmacharis and the medical staff at the Kumbh hospital to ensure they are well-rested and ready to assist.

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Pragya Sharma, Director of Marketing at Amazon India, commented, “Our mission is to make life easier for our customers, and our trusted Amazon boxes are a symbol of that commitment. By repurposing them into beds, we saw a unique chance to contribute in a meaningful way to the comfort of Maha Kumbh Mela attendees.”

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Amazon teamed up with Ogilvy as the creative partner, with a specialized team of fabricators working to bring the concept to life. These beds have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their durability and safety, especially considering the challenging local conditions.

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PepsiCo Joins the Race: Bids for Stake in Haldiram Snacks Amid Growing Demand

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PepsiCo Joins the Race: Bids for Stake in Haldiram Snacks Amid Growing Demand

Haldiram Snacks is attracting significant attention as global food giants express interest in acquiring a stake in the popular Indian brand. PepsiCo has recently entered the bidding war, joining Temasek and Alpha Wave Global, both of whom had already submitted formal proposals last month. These investors are currently in detailed discussions with the Aggarwal family to acquire a 10-15% stake in one of India’s leading ethnic snacks and convenience food companies.

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Sources suggest that senior executives from PepsiCo’s New York headquarters have kicked off early talks with the Aggarwal family regarding a potential minority investment. However, these negotiations are still in the preliminary stages and there’s no guarantee that a deal will come to fruition. Any potential investment would be led by PepsiCo’s global team, with the Indian arm playing a limited role in the process.

The Aggarwal family, which has built Haldiram into a household name, is now looking for its first external investor, with an expected company valuation between Rs 85,000-90,000 crore.

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The ethnic snacks market in India has experienced impressive growth, with both regional players and direct-to-consumer brands gaining traction. While industry leaders like Haldiram, Bikanerwala, Balaji, and publicly listed companies such as Bikaji Foods, Gopal Snacks, and Prataap Snacks dominate the market, it remains highly fragmented. Numerous smaller, local competitors offer lower-priced products, maintain direct distribution channels, and provide better margins for retailers.

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